The Sc500 Story (or, what's so great about the Z2K?)

C-Core BZ1-C (click link for reviews)

When the Redline C-Core arrived on the scene in the late 1990's, it quickly became famous for its unparalleled pop, or trampoline effect, on a batted ball. It became famous for its quick swing speed and huge sweet spot. And, after a couple of years of testing on the diamond, it became famous for its durability.

Z-Core BZ3-Z

With these unique bats, balls that were normally grounders and flies became doubles and homers. Pitchers became targets. It was becoming so dangerous that the NCAA (college) and high schools banned all bats that exceeded the new BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio) limits. Easton stopped production of the C-Core, the 1999 Z-Core and the 2000 Z2K. Adult and Middle School leagues, though, could still use these potent bats.

the famous Z2K BZ2-K

Many tried to copy this popular bat but failed. The secret, now revealed in hindsight, was the unique scandium/aluminum alloy formulation - Sc500 - that was exclusive to Easton through their partnership with Ashurst Technology LTD and Kaiser Aluminum.

No one could predict that this fortuitous marriage would last only a few years. This left the baseball world with a finite number of the best bats ever made. New bats sell for well over their original retail of $2-300. (over $3500, 2013 edit) Used Z2K's can sell for over $600 on eBay. Used Sc500 bats maintain their value like collectibles or a classic vehicle.

Why should I use the best bat available?
Even the best players get only four or so at bats during a baseball game. That is only four possible fair balls in two hours. No other sport will make you focus so much of your skill and training down to so few attempts at success. Get the bat that will maximize your success. Maximum pop. Maximum sweet spot. Maximum life.

My kid is only 10. Am I out of luck?
Easton fortunately infused all of their top model late-1990's bats with Sc500.
The Little League, Senoir League, Fastpitch, and Slowpitch models have proven to be the top performers in performance and durability, and are still legal.

Youth League

LZ1-C (C-core)

LZ3-Z (Z-Core)

LT1-Z (Connexion)

Fastpitch softball

LZ1-CB SZ3-ZB

And for the young at heart, the Slowpitch Sc500 models still dominate singlewall leagues.

SZ1-C, Softball Redline C-Core

SZ5-Z Softball Redline Z-Core

ST1-Z ST2-Z Softball Connexion Z-Core